FREE HIV Testing in Metro Manila

LoveYourself offers FREE HIV screening/testing in the following locations:

1. LoveYourself Anglo(Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City)

The Love Yourself Anglo is open all days of the week except Mondays and Tuesdays. HIV test is free-of-charge. Staff members are warm, friendly, and non-discriminatory.

It is located at Unit 5, 3/F, Anglo Building, #715-A Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. (It is a 3-minute walk from Shaw MRT Station, and is situated just behind Star Mall EDSA). It is at the 3rd floor of a yellow building with Anglo Hardware at the ground floor.

Phone: 0915-366-LOVE (0915-366-5683)

Screening Schedule:

Clinic Opens

HIV Screening Cut-off

Clinic Closes

Sunday

9:00 am

2:00 pm

4:00 pm

Monday

CLOSED

Tuesday

CLOSED

Wednesday

12:00 pm

7:00 pm

9:00 pm

Thursday

12:00 pm

7:00 pm

9:00 pm

Friday

12:00 pm

7:00 pm

9:00 pm

Saturday

12:00 pm

7:00 pm

9:00 pm

HOLIDAYS

CLOSED

*CUT OFF — time when the last client can be tested so the results can be released on the same day.

Map:

2. LoveYourself Hub(Malate, Manila)

The Love Yourself Hub shares the same space with RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate. Open all days of the week except Tuesdays & Wednesdays. HIV test is free-of-charge. Staff members are warm, friendly, and non-discriminatory.

What preparations are needed before the testing?

Just bring yourself to the clinic for testing. Blood extraction will be performed, but unlike the usual blood tests, fasting is not required.

How long does it take to get the results?

Once the blood sample has been extracted from you, it will take 2-3 hours before you can get your results. The counselor will call your attention once the results are available, and then the post-test counseling shall take place.

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

HIV infection can be asymptomatic. This means that you may feel perfectly healthy even if you have already been infected. The only way to know with absolute assurance that you have contracted the virus is to undergo HIV testing.

Is the clinic closed on holidays?

Is testing for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) free as well?

Only HIV testing, as well as Syphilis and Hepatitis B testing are free. Other tests for STIs may require a fee.

I just underwent complete blood count (CBC), blood chem and urinalysis tests. The results are all normal. Does it mean I’m HIV negative?

No. The HIV test involves a special procedure that is different from other blood tests.

I had myself tested for HIV and the result is non-reactive, but my last risky sexual encounter was just weeks ago. Does this mean I am not infected?

No, not necessarily. It takes from 3-6 months for HIV to get detected in the blood. What is recommended is that you undergo regular testing every 6 months. So as long as you are sexually active, come back 6 months after your last test to keep your health in check.

Can I just ask my counselor to text me the results of my HIV test?
No, pre-test and post-test counseling are required in HIV testing as per the Philippine law, specifically RA 8504 (Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998).

If I test positive, does that mean I will die?

Testing positive for HIV means that you now carry the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. It does not mean that you have AIDS, nor does it mean that you will die as a result of the infection. Although there is no cure for AIDS, many opportunistic infections that make people sick can be controlled, prevented or eliminated. This has substantially increased the longevity and quality of life for people living with HIV.

What happens if I turned reactive to HIV?

If ever the result of your HIV test is reactive, your result will be sent to SACCL (STD-AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory) in San Lazaro Hospital for confirmatory testing. Your counselor will orient you on the next steps and you will be referred to RITM-ARG in Alabang. But this does not usually happen on the same day as the testing, so there will be time for you to prepare.

Do I have to pay for anything when I’m in RITM-ARG in Alabang?

After your registration in RITM-ARG, you need to buy the Orange Patient Record sheet at the cashier near the ER for P125 then go back to ARG for further instructions.

Recommended to Bring:
1. Lunch money or packed lunch. You are expected to finish the series of tests and consultation in the afternoon.
2. Book or Gadget for your boredom. ARG lounge has free Wi-Fi for your electronic gadgets.
3. Surgical mask/Hospital mask. This is to protect you from acquiring airborne infections

Procedure:
1. ARG clinic opens at 8:00 AM. Blood extraction for CD4 testing will be from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Anyone who arrives after the cut-off may be requested to come back on another day.

2. Proceed to the Information Booth (main hospital) and purchase an orange card worth P125. (Bring exact amount since the cashier would most likely have no loose change that early in the morning.) Please ask for an official receipt. The information clerk will ask you to fill out your medical chart. All information will be held with utmost confidentiality.

3. Go to the ARG Clinic Information Desk and sign the registration/attendance sheet. You will be given a client number.

4. Proceed to room 2/Nurse’s Desk. Look for Nurse Nikka or Tricia. The nurse will provide you request forms for your baseline tests and PPD test.

5. Proceed to the Clinical Lab and submit your forms. Wait for your turn. The lab medical technologist shall extract a minimal amount of blood from you for your CBC and CD4 test.

6. Proceed to the Pharmacy. Present your PPD request form. You will be given a syringe with PPD .

7. Go back to the ARG clinic and give the PPD syringe to the nurse who will then administer the PPD test. The nurse will provide you sputum cups and instructions on sputum collection. He/she will provide you with request for chest x-ray.
Note: Your PPD test should be checked by a doctor after 48 hours. You can have it checked even by non-RITM doctors. Just present the form to the doctor, and the doctor will fill up the form with his interpretation of the test. Submit the form to ARG on your next visit.

8. Proceed to the waiting area. Wait for your number to be called.
Note: You will be given a PhilHealth orientation while waiting for your turn to be called for consultation.
Waiting time will depend on the number of clients for the day. Make sure to bring gadgets or articles to relieve boredom.

9. Once called, proceed to the Doctor’s clinic (door located beside the cashier/pharmacy).
Note: Listen carefully to all interpretations of the doctor especially on your CD4 count. Ask all questions that you can’t understand about your condition. We highly encourage you to jot down notes to help you remember important points especially on dietary restrictions, ARV intake and dosage, prophylaxis, etc.

11. Submit your request form to the X-ray room. Wait for your turn. The lab radiologist shall ask you to enter the X-ray room for your X-ray examination.

12. Before leaving, make sure you have the following information:
– CD4 count result;
– recommendation whether to take ARVs or just healthy living
– recommendation to take or not to take INH and co-trimoxazole prophylaxis
– schedule of next visit.

If you have questions and concerns, you may approach RITM ARG personnel at the information desk or Love Yourself counselors.

If I tested positive for HIV, do I need to take antiretroviral (ARV) drugs right away?

Antiretroviral drugs that help combat the virus are currently given for free if you need it, but usually there will be fees to pay for tests to determine the status of your health. The doctor will check on your laboratory results and evaluate your health status if you need to take antiretroviral drugs. Usually your CD4 count is checked which will then guide your HIV treatment. If your CD4 count reaches 350, doctors start ARV therapy. Your assigned counselor will be able to help you prepare through this whole process.

Do you have any other clinic aside from satellite clinic in Malate?

None so far; but LoveYourself is planning to put up new testing hubs such as LoveYourself Anglo near Ortigas. Also, we offer paid premium Platinum testing for people who do not want to be seen taking their HIV test in a center, clinic or hospital. Everything is mindfully prepared and ensured to be smooth-flowing for the most discreet and delicate clients.

There are also Social Hygiene Clinics in the metro and beyond. Please click here to see the full list and their contact numbers. Please contact your chosen clinic first before visiting.

Can I still get vaccinated even if I’m HIV-positive?

Immunizations are an important part of your HIV care plan because they can help protect you from serious illness. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which immunizations are right for you, based on your age and risk for contracting a specific illness.

What happens if I turn reactive to Hepatitis B screening?

If you are reactive to Hepatitis B, you should see your doctor who can refer to you to a specialist if needed.

What happens if I turn reactive to Syphilis?

The clinic nurse will get your mobile number and will set an appointment for your treatment. You will undergo once a week Penicillin-G injections for 3 consecutive weeks.

Do you also treat genital warts in the clinic?

For genital warts treatment (cauterization), the clinic nurse will get your mobile number and will contact your appointment schedule. Fees may apply for the treatment, please feel free to contact the clinic for further details.